I believe that peer interaction is one of the most important aspects of a student’s education. My class will emphasize this essential piece of student knowledge through cooperative learning. This exciting learning method involves students working together to achieve academic excellence. Throughout the year, students will engage in various group exercises and assignments to practice teamwork, while also acquiring crucial historical knowledge. Students will actively participate in discussions and even begin to learn from each other as they become experts in cooperative learning. At the end of the year, students will have mastered a system that will help them learn more than they had ever imagined! Seating As much of our class time will be spent in groups, students will familiarize themselves with the layout of the classroom. Group learning will consist of 4-5 students. The student's desks will be facing each other for maximum group proficiency (see figure below for example). Students should not, however, get accustomed to the same group members as we will be mixing groups throughout the year!
Learning Format This bulleted list represents the learning procedure during cooperative learning:
Students come to class prepared to discuss assigned homework/readings
Students join their individual groups of 4-5 students
Each student will be assigned a group role (Leader, Time-Keeper, Note Taker, Speaker, etc.)
Group engages in discussion of assigned content (find main ideas/questions for class discussion)
Group presents main ideas/questions to teacher in class discussion
Teacher finalizes class discussion
Group Processing
Throughout the year, students will be able to assess their group performance and receive feedback. Groups will turn in short lists of the positives and negatives of their own performance. Helpful questions include:
Do we stay on task?
Do we work well together?
Are we too loud?
Where could we get better?
This type of processing allows for students to recognize strengths and weaknesses within their group. This will ultimately result in maximum group achievement! Grading This is an overview of how students should expect to be graded:
Grading based on involvement and participation in the group
Factors in to overall participation grade (10%)
Students expected to complete individual group assignments
Clipboard used by myself to check for individual completion
*Bonus points will be rewarded throughout the year for overall group excellence!
Students will be held accountable for rule breaking (see Classroom Policies)
Accommodation
I reserve the right to assign groups. Also, students with necessary accommodations will be able to work with me on specific assignments.
Cooperative Learning
Philosophy
I believe that peer interaction is one of the most important aspects of a student’s education. My class will emphasize this essential piece of student knowledge through cooperative learning. This exciting learning method involves students working together to achieve academic excellence. Throughout the year, students will engage in various group exercises and assignments to practice teamwork, while also acquiring crucial historical knowledge. Students will actively participate in discussions and even begin to learn from each other as they become experts in cooperative learning. At the end of the year, students will have mastered a system that will help them learn more than they had ever imagined!
Seating
As much of our class time will be spent in groups, students will familiarize themselves with the layout of the classroom. Group learning will consist of 4-5 students. The student's desks will be facing each other for maximum group proficiency (see figure below for example). Students should not, however, get accustomed to the same group members as we will be mixing groups throughout the year!
Learning Format
This bulleted list represents the learning procedure during cooperative learning:
Group Processing
Throughout the year, students will be able to assess their group performance and receive feedback. Groups will turn in short lists of the positives and negatives of their own performance. Helpful questions include:
This type of processing allows for students to recognize strengths and weaknesses within their group. This will ultimately result in maximum group achievement!
Grading
This is an overview of how students should expect to be graded:
Accommodation
I reserve the right to assign groups. Also, students with necessary accommodations will be able to work with me on specific assignments.